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Lean Meats (LM) and Very Lean Meats (VLM): Overview and Serving Sizes

Meats and vegetarian meats contain protein and fat. This food group is divided into two categories according to their fat content: very lean meats (VLM), and lean meats (LM) contain about 0g to 3g of fat per ounce of meat. In general, follow these serving guidelines:

1 oz of meat, poultry, fish, or cheese provide one meat allowance

½ cup tofu provides one meat allowance

½ cup beans, lentils, and peas provide one-half serving of meat (Legumes are both a vegetarian meat and a starch; the other portion of beans comes from G&S)